Open Course, Isle of Wight

I received a telephone call from Sensei Mick Dewey to say that he would not be there due to bereavement in the family; we all know the feeling of losing someone we love so my heart goes out to him and his family.

It’s a special place for me the I.O.W; I have many fond memories over the past 37 years, met some wonderful people, the I.O.W is to me like stepping back in time, during the 1950 – 60’s in London, one can smell the aroma of coal fire, the array of small shops and business and family values.

The training started at 9.15 with the Children, there were about 30 kids jumping, running and chatting wait for me to arrive.  Teaching Children and holding their concentration for an hour and half is no easy task, so after lining up they looked at me with caution, but once we got started and having fun they lost any apprehension they had of me.

Next it was time for the Adults, straight into a warm up and explaining details of various issues that they my encounter during training and life itself, echoing topics on the natural world which seemed to go down well, the last hour was for Black and Brown belts and the request was for Kata and Applications, so I choose Seiyunchin Kata, and after 4 hours of training the Adults looked absolutely satisfied, “for the want of a better word”.

But it was not all about Karate – Do; I was invited out on Saturday evening for a Chinese meal in the town, on entering the restaurant there was a wonderful atmosphere and warm welcome, our choice was a variety of dishes, the aroma as the dishes arrived were mouth watering.

Before long it was time to head back to the mainland however, I do love the ferry crossing.    

My special thanks to Sensei Mark and his lovely wife Lisa for taking care of me over the w/end.

Sensei George Andrews